Ubuntu Trophy to Joel Almeida
Joel Almeida was honored with the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Trophy, an award that recognizes a player’s outstanding impact in the community during the season. As captain of Kriol Star, Joel has led by example—on and off the court—using basketball as a tool to uplift and inspire youth in his home country of Cape Verde. But behind this recognition lies a larger story, shared with his brother Ivan: the story of a foundation turned team, and a team turned symbol.
Together, the Almeida brothers transformed their charity foundation into a competitive basketball team. A very young one, which was born just a few months ago (October 2024). Yet, Kriol Star made history by qualifying for the Basketball Africa League and then had another historic accomplishment: Advancing to the BAL playoffs, finishing 7th overall in their debut campaign.
“Representing Kriol Star is a huge source of pride,” Ivan said. “It started as a social foundation in Cape Verde and now it’s a team.”
He also reflected on the journey with humility and perspective:
“We leave here with our heads held high. We gave everything we had.”
Ivan’s All-Around Season
Ivan Almeida delivered one of the best all-around performances in the BAL this season and stood out as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players. He was forced to adapt across four positions (from point guard to power forward) due to a short-handed roster, and still delivered one of the best statistical seasons in the tournament — including his first career triple-double.
- 48 free throws made (league leader)
- 37.5 minutes per game (most in the BAL)
- 7.3 points per game
- 10.1 rebounds
- 5.4 assists
“That’s how it is in sports. There’s always a winner and a loser. Now it’s time to take lessons from this and grow.”
Music as Balance
Beyond basketball, Ivan is also a music producer and music remains a deeply personal outlet for him.
“Yes, it’s like therapy,” he said. “I try to work on music when I’m in my room, but here I’ve been fully focused on basketball.”
“We know how basketball and culture go together.”
Ubuntu in Action
Joel’s Ubuntu Trophy symbolizes the greater mission behind Kriol Star: to use sports for social impact, development, and inclusion. Over the past year, the Almeida brothers have led basketball clinics and camps that reached more than 100 kids in Cape Verde, mentoring future players and coaches while opening doors in underserved communities.
Kriol Star: BAL’s Revelation and Inspiration
Though Kriol Star’s playoff run ended in the quarterfinals, the club leaves Pretoria not only as the revelation of the tournament, but as one of its most inspiring stories. A project born from love for the game, the people, and a nation.
“We didn’t build Kriol Star just to compete,” Ivan said. “We built it to inspire.”
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